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Part - II

Lastly, pervasive corruption creates a breeding ground for terrorists. All a terrorist has to do to get in is just bribe some folks in high places with little dough - show me the money and you are in. We don't want that to happen to us.

The critical question at this juncture is how do we combat this mortal danger of corruption? One thing is certain that we cannot win this battle against institutionalized corruption through the use of guns. In general, if efforts to combat corruption are to succeed, there will need to be a combined effort from every corner of our body politic.

• The press needs to investigate and expose corrupt practices, as well as make a concrete effort to create awareness in the society.

• Government needs to address the supply side of corruption by promoting and vigorously enforcing corporate governance and business ethics. Its "Anti-Corruption Commission" should be made independent and be given the required tooth to bring to book everyone who directly or indirectly indulges in bribery regardless of the transgressor's position. A comprehensive whistle-blowing legislation must be enacted sooner than later to serve the purpose.

• Civil society's commitment including that of the business community, business associations, political parties, media and other NGOs should be emphasized in order to reinforce the need for transparent and monitoring practices that have an important role in preventing corruption.

• The citizenry needs to be vigilant in staging massive protests and becoming actively engaged in how the country is governed.

As always, progress in any society is not achieved on the cheap. Mahatma Gandhi followed a non-violent approach and suffered dearly to liberate India from British rule. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela along with lots of other people labored in prison and lived under harsh conditions for the liberation of his people from apartheid. In the United States, people like Martin Luther King Jr. died fighting for black freedom and equality. Countless others have suffered at the hands of dictatorship in the fight for freedom, political and economic justice.

However, I don't think we need one more Mahatma or Mandela or King. What we need is responsible Indians doing what they can do to help improve our country. It's time that we act. Let's come together and help out! After all, nobody is more capable of resolving our problems than we ourselves. Others can only help you, but at the end of the day, you are fully responsible for your own destiny - Hindustan Hamara!

Concluded.

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* Contributed by: -
A. Tirumalai Prakash,
PGP - I,
BIM, Trichy.